Although a variety of supports in Guelph exist to serve immigrants, it can still be difficult to locate and access them when needed. A central and easily accessible location for information about local community services is necessary to help newcomers, and service providers, to access this information
The Guelph Wellington Local Immigration Partnership’s Access to Services Committee (ASC), in collaboration with the City of Guelph’s Geographical Information Services department, researched how to create a way for residents, service providers, and leaders to easily find immigrant services in Guelph. The ASC worked to decide which services would be most relevant. The majority of community service data was provided by the Volunteer Centre of Guelph/Wellington via their community services database. A Geographic Information systems (GIS) Consultant was retained to collect and organize the service provider data, and the GIS department of City Hall provided digital boundary maps. The result of this collaboration was the Interactive Community Services Map. The map is a web-based application that presents data in a map form, in order to facilitate finding information and getting directions. The map currently includes four datasets: public and private schools in Guelph, licensed child care services in Guelph, organizations serving immigrants in Guelph, and health care services in Guelph. The interactive map platform allows users to easily search for resources, to see what they are, where they are, and how to connect with them.

Description:

Poster was part of 'What We Know' display, held on March 1, 2017 at the Quebec Street Mall in Downtown Guelph. At 'What We Know,' the Community Engaged Scholarship Institute brought together 50 posters featuring diverse research on Guelph and Wellington from community organizations, municipal staff, faculty and students. Topics included feral cats, farmland loss, food waste, the wellbeing of children and more - all specific to Guelph and Wellington.